Name: Freedom
Writers
Sub-genre: Biography
| Crime | High School Drama
Title sequences:
Paramount Pictures Presents
In association with MTV Movies
A JERSEY FILMS/ DOUBLE FEATURE FILMS
Production
Movie Title: Freedom Writers
Category of title sequence:
Words on a black screen
Type of production:
Mainstream
Producers:
Danny DeVito
Stacey Sher
Michael Shamberg
What storylines are introduced in the films opening?
We see multiple events of rioting and
controversy that is being reported live, all including teenagers. There are
many different gangs and cliques against each other but also rising up against
the adults –in particular, the police in their communities.
Main characters
Hilary Swank ... Erin Gruwell
Patrick
Dempsey ... Scott Casey
Scott
Glenn ... Steve Gruwell
Imelda
Staunton ... Margaret Campbell
April
L. Hernandez ... Eva Benitez (as April Lee Hernandez)
Mario ... Andre
Bryant
How do teens interact with adults?
In this particular high school the
children tend to not be very fond of the adults that are their teachers. The
students do not treat them with respect and act as though they are another
victim they could pick on or just see them as another adult brainwashed by the system,
who is out to get them.
Camera:
Very fast paced and chaotic. Multiple
jump-shots used to show you every aspect of the riots. Pace begins to slow down
as we go into the narrative of Eva but speeds up again as she gets into the
action-part of her story.
Editing:
Each character in the class’ story is
being sown through motion picture. This is done by editing from perspective,
helping us see each individual child’s life through their eyes.
Sound:
Starts off with news reporters reporting
live from the riots, We hear chanting “NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE”, Screaming and
crying. During Eva’s narrative we hear synchronous
gloomy music with her story.
Mise-en-scene:
Costume:
Stereotypical outfits, Black males in baseball jackets, sagging trousers
Props: Guns, Books, Class desks and
chairs
Classroom setting
High school setting
What did you like about the film? Is it a good example of a teen
film?
I really liked how every student in this film was different
but all the same in a way, it just took the right teacher to get it out of
them. The character of Mrs Erin Gruwell I think was really effective because
she was the complete opposite to the stereotypical teacher. She was very
understanding and caring and because of that the hard-headed high-school kids
felt no choice but to give her back the respect that she had earned. In addition
to this, I think that ‘Freedom Writers’ is a very good example of a teen film
because it also focuses on a lot of the struggles that teenagers go through today
such as riots, gang wars, etc. but also giving history on similar things that happened
in the past such as the holocaust. The film is an intriguing educational high
school drama.